Bethany Lutheran Church

Honest Christmas | Honest Unease

December 14, 2022 Pastor Anthony Celia
Bethany Lutheran Church
Honest Christmas | Honest Unease
Show Notes

Nothing like the good news of having a child followed up by morning sickness, cramps, and bloating. It is reasonable to believe that even though Mary was giving birth to Jesus she still experienced the physical, spiritual, and mental growth moving into motherhood.  Growth can be painful, difficult, and uneasy and yet we can push on into something more beautiful.

Luke 1:34-38 (ESV)
And Mary said to the angel, “How will this be, since I am a virgin?”

And the angel answered her, “The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you; therefore the child to be born will be called holy—the Son of God. And behold, your relative Elizabeth in her old age has also conceived a son, and this is the sixth month with her who was called barren. For nothing will be impossible with God.” And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.

Matthew 16:24 (ESV)
Then Jesus told his disciples, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.